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How Long Does Methadone Stay In The System?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Question: starting Suboxin treatment. after 2// and a half days of not getting my methadone, the doctor tried to give me Suboxin it reacted,how long does methadone stay
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Methadone transition to suboxone

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are trying to transition from methadone to suboxone. You have to be in withdrawals before you can even start suboxone. Because if you take it while not in withdrawals from your methadone it will put you in withdrawals. Sometimes it may take anywhere from 1-2 WEEKS to get the methadone out your system. That is why transitioning from methadone to suboxone is very difficult. The signs and symptoms of withdrawal from methadone are chills or goose flesh, sweating, increased muscle pain, nausea and abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Only when you are in full withdrawal will you start the suboxone. I know this will be hard but the benefits will be apparent later with less doctor visits and better control over your addiction

In summary
1. 1-2 weeks for methadone to get out of your system
2. Start suboxone only when in full withdrawal

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 days later)
I wanted to ask it will be2 weeks on Thurs that I have been off methadone. I understand the information you gave. Is it true getting Suboxin, trading one addiction for another
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Suboxone

Detailed Answer:
Yes it may take a long time to truly get the methadone out of your system. The only way you can tell if it has been long enough is if you are having the withdrawal symptoms, Goose flesh, cramping diarrhea and generalized pain.

And yes you are trading one narcotic for another. Suboxone is buprenorphine which is just another opiate to reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
what I don't get I've been having extreme withdrawals 2 weeks tommoro. every time I try the Suboxin I get it worse. how much more pain before withdrawals, I've been in them already
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
unknown

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry that you have been going through these withdrawals so long and not been able to start your suboxone without worsening your withdrawals. You may ask your provider to switch you to Subutex. This is the same as suboxone but does not have the naltraxone which is causing your increased withdrawal. Once your stable on subutex then switch to suboxone. That should work for you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (8 minutes later)
thank you so much doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and my best wishes to you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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How Long Does Methadone Stay In The System?

Brief Answer: Methadone transition to suboxone Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You are trying to transition from methadone to suboxone. You have to be in withdrawals before you can even start suboxone. Because if you take it while not in withdrawals from your methadone it will put you in withdrawals. Sometimes it may take anywhere from 1-2 WEEKS to get the methadone out your system. That is why transitioning from methadone to suboxone is very difficult. The signs and symptoms of withdrawal from methadone are chills or goose flesh, sweating, increased muscle pain, nausea and abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Only when you are in full withdrawal will you start the suboxone. I know this will be hard but the benefits will be apparent later with less doctor visits and better control over your addiction In summary 1. 1-2 weeks for methadone to get out of your system 2. Start suboxone only when in full withdrawal I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions